We first heard about the indie drama A Late Quartet last year, when Ethan Hawke was cast in the lead. Things have changed a bit, but possibly for the better: the cast now includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener and Christopher Walken.

Yaron Zilberman is directing A Late Quartet soon, and Ethan Hawke, once announced for a lead role, has had to drop out. But he’s been replaced by Philip Seymour Hoffman, which to me is a win. Catherine Keener, previously rumored, has been confirmed as well, and after a brief turn as rumored cast members, Christopher Walken and Imogen Poots have also signed on for parts. Jeremy Northam is on board, too.

The director co-wrote with Seth Grossman, and the story follows “a quartet whose members have performed together for 25 years and have to adjust to one of them retiring due to Parkinson’s disease.” The character Hawke was set to play is an ambitious violinist who wants more of the spotlight, and enters into an affair with (as you do) his jogging partner.

Or, as the press release says,

Hoffman, Keener, Northam and Walken play a world-renowned string quartet struggling to stay together as they mark their 25th anniversary in the face of illness, competing egos and insuppressible lust. Imogen Poots and Liraz Charhi also co-star.

I think the aspect I’m most interested in is the cinematography. While the film might not sound like a visual powerhouse, Frederick Elmes will be shooting, and I always like his work, and sometimes he hits notes that are just sublime. [The Playlist]